Boston Dynamics’ SpotMini is a small, non-hydraulic version of the company’s larger Spot robot, and is capable of a level of autonomy.
Boston Dynamics has certainly unveiled some fascinating devices in the past; famously introducing its large Spot robot and later sending it off for military training. Now, the company has unveiled SpotMini; a smaller robot which is both terrifyingly lifelike and vaguely cute.
SpotMini takes the form of a robotic giraffe and arrives with an arsenal of skills including the ability to run up stairs, place dishes in a dishwasher, and deliver a soft drink.
Watch: Introducing Spot – Google‘s creepy robot dog
SpotMini is far smaller and significantly lighter than its larger cousin; the robot weighs in at 65 pounds (29kgs) with its head and arm component attached.
The robot can run for an estimated 90 minutes on a single electric charge, and carries different sensors which allow it to estimate depth and its immediate surroundings. A solid-state gyro allows the robot to calculate moving in a crowded environment and further interact with its surroundings.
In a video, Boston Dynamics demonstrate SpotMini in comparison to its other robot brethren as it trundles out of the company’s offices and into a testing chamber, showing an awareness of its surroundings and changes in manoeuvring space.
The robot is able to place dishes in a dishwasher, and distinguish between tasks when it is given the can of a soft drink headed for the recycling bin. The unit is even able to right itself after slipping on a banana peel, and thereafter climbs up a flight of stairs.
Read: Boston Dynamics‘ “˜Spot‘ begins military testing
What are your thoughts on SpotMini? In which areas can you see such a robot being applied in everyday life? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
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